Association of Immigrants from Arab States Cables Appeal to Thant

October 7, 1968

JERUSALEM (Oct. 6)

The Association of Immigrants from the Arab States has cabled an appeal to United Nations Secretary-General U Thant to investigate the fate of Jews in the Arab countries and to intervene with Arab governments so that the Jews will be permitted to emigrate. The message to Mr. Thant was drafted by the spokesmen for immigrants from Egypt, Syria and Iraq following a meeting held under the auspices of the World Jewish Congress. It charged that “Arab authorities persecute the Jewish remnants, confiscate their property and hold them as hostages against all international law and morality.” The message noted that “the Arab states refuse to allow international bodies such as the Red Cross to investigate the condition of Jews but prevent Jews from leaving the countries and use them as scapegoats for the anger of the masses.” The message appealed to Mr. Thant “not to repeat the conspiracy of silence that prevailed during the annihilation of our European brethren.”